Tawazun Council and AD Ports Group have announced plans to develop a new defence industrial free zone in Abu Dhabi as part of efforts to strengthen the UAE’s industrial and defence sectors.
The new project, called Al Selmiyyah Defence Industrial Free Zone, is expected to support the country’s long-term plans to build a strong and sustainable national defence manufacturing base.
Officials said the free zone will help improve national security while increasing local industrial production and technological development. The project is also designed to attract global defence manufacturers and create new investment opportunities inside the UAE.
According to officials, the free zone will support domestic manufacturing and encourage international defence companies to establish operations in the country. The project is expected to create high-value industrial partnerships and improve local production capabilities.
The initiative will focus on attracting original equipment manufacturers, often known as OEMs, which play a major role in defence technology and manufacturing industries worldwide.
Officials believe the project will help the UAE reduce dependence on imported defence equipment while strengthening local expertise and industrial growth.
Nasser Al Nuaimi described the partnership as an important step in building a stronger national defence industry.
He said the development of the free zone would support sovereign industrial capabilities and accelerate the growth of the UAE’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Authorities have not yet announced the timeline for the project’s completion. However, officials said the zone is expected to create more opportunities for industrial investment and technology transfer in the defence sector.
The free zone will also support local manufacturers and increase the participation of national companies and small and medium-sized businesses within defence supply chains.
Officials said the project fits within the UAE’s broader strategy of achieving industrial sovereignty and strengthening advanced manufacturing industries across the country.
Mohamed Al Shamisi said the partnership would strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for advanced industries.
He added that the project would become an important part of the company’s free zone portfolio and help attract high-value industries supported by modern infrastructure and global logistics services.
The UAE has spent years expanding its defence and technology sectors as part of its wider economic diversification strategy. Authorities continue to focus on reducing dependence on oil revenue by investing in manufacturing, advanced industries, and innovation.
Tawazun Council was established in 1992 and plays a major role in supporting the UAE’s defence and security industries. Officials said the council has helped create more than 90 companies and investment projects across several strategic sectors.
The Tawazun Industrial Park currently hosts dozens of global and regional companies working in defence, security, and advanced manufacturing industries.
The UAE also launched Edge Group in 2019 to strengthen advanced defence technology production. The group focuses on weapons systems, cyber protection, and electronic warfare technologies.
Edge Group now oversees more than 35 companies involved in advanced defence industries and military technologies.
Recently, officials from Edge Group said their systems successfully intercepted more than 85 percent of Iranian drones launched toward the UAE during recent regional tensions.
The expansion of defence manufacturing is closely linked to the UAE’s wider industrial strategy known as Operation 300bn. The national program was launched in 2021 to help position the UAE as a leading industrial center by 2031.
The strategy focuses on sectors including machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, food production, pharmaceuticals, metals, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
The UAE has also increased investments in artificial intelligence and high-tech infrastructure projects, especially in Abu Dhabi. Officials believe these investments will help strengthen the country’s global competitiveness and economic growth.
The new defence free zone reflects the UAE’s continuing efforts to build a stronger industrial economy while improving national security and expanding strategic partnerships with global companies.
